GREEN STOURGEN
Origin To Oregon:
White & Green Sturgeon are native species of the state of Oregon.
Species Information:
Latin Name: Acipenser transmontanus. Sturgeon are an ancient family of fish that is little changed from their first appearance in the fossil record during the Jurassic Period – 180-135 million years ago. White sturgeon are bottom-dwelling fish that can live to be over 100 years old. Sturgeon are found from Mexico to Alaska; in Oregon white sturgeon inhabit most major coastal rivers and mainstem Columbia, Willamette, and Snake rivers. They are characterized by their large size, large head and mouth, and long cylindrical bodies. Sturgeon have a long snout equipped with four “barbels” (whiskers) located on the outside of a large, toothless, bottom-oriented mouth. Instead of scales, sturgeon have rows of bony plates (called “scutes”) from gills to tail. Dorsal color is dark to light gray, pale olive, or gray-brown. Virtually all WHITE sturgeon have a uniformly pale ventral surface; a dark stripe along the center of the belly is a sure sign the fish is a GREEN sturgeon. White sturgeon evolved in large river systems with free ocean access. In Oregon, most white sturgeon spawn in the swift waters of the mainstem Columbia and Snake rivers. Female white sturgeon do not reach maturity until they are six feet or longer (age 25+ years); they spawn every three to five years in May or June. Males are able to spawn more often. Smaller females produce about 100,000 eggs; the largest females may deposit more than 3 million eggs. Unlike salmon, sturgeon do not build a nest or redd. Eggs are broadcast directly in the water column. The fertilized eggs then sink and stick to clean rock surfaces. The eggs hatch in about 7 days. The newly hatched larvae swim back up into the water column and are carried downstream to rearing areas. The fry begin to feed about 7-14 days after hatching and may grow over 10 inches in the first year. In their long lives white sturgeon may wander far to feed in freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments. Land-locked white sturgeon are able to live their full life cycle in freshwater, but those with access to the ocean grow faster and spawn more often than the impounded populations. Small white sturgeon feed primarily on invertebrates. As they grow they continue to eat invertebrates, but fish such as lamprey, smelt, shad, and salmon become increasingly important in their diet. White sturgeon are prized by recreational and commercial fishers for their firm white flesh. To protect mature fish, and thus the sturgeon population, harvesting sturgeon over 60-inches in length is prohibited. Currently there are no threatened or endangered populations of white sturgeon in Oregon, but they have been negatively impacted by dams. Populations trapped in Columbia River impoundments are less productive than the population below Bonneville Dam. In middle Snake River reservoirs no harvest is allowed, and white sturgeon are considered at risk due to lack of juvenile recruitment.
State Record: Record or "over-sized" sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released unharmed.
Origin To Oregon:
Chinook Salmon are Native Species of Oregon
Species Information:
Latin Name: Oncorhynchus tshawytscha; Common Name: King salmon, blackmouth. Three “types” of Chinook salmon are found in Oregon waters, based on the time of year the adults leave the ocean environment to spawn. Generally, Spring Chinook migrate back to freshwater from February to May, Summer Chinook in June and July, and Fall Chinook from August to October. (This timing schedule can vary significantly between different salmon populations in various locations throughout the state.) The life histories of different runs of Chinook are also quite varied: some migrate from their fresh water origins into an estuary environment soon after hatching; others (Columbia River populations) may take up to a year to reach salt water. Spring Chinook migrate extensively in the ocean, whereas certain runs of Summer and Fall Chinook may rear closer to the coast. They all remain in large schools and feed heavily on baitfish, like anchovies and herring, for four or five years. Upon re-entering fresh water salmon lose their desire to eat and live off their accumulated fat reserves. At this point, Chinook can weigh upwards of 80 pounds, but the average Chinook weighs 10–25 pounds. The bright silver color of the ocean-going fish, dotted with large black spots above the lateral midline, darkens gradually to a mottled brownish green as they make their way through fresh water to spawn. The male’s jaw develops a mild hook (compared to coho and chum) and large teeth. On reaching the spawning grounds, the females dig a shallow depression in the gravel by performing vigorous swimming movements on her side near the stream bottom. She then deposits eggs in small pockets as the males release clouds of sperm (milt) over them. Then the female covers the eggs with gravel. In one to several days, the female deposits four to five egg pockets (4,800 total eggs, on average); the total nest area is called a “redd.” As do other salmon, Chinook die within days of spawning.
State Record: 1910 - Ernie St. Claire caught an 83 lb. Chinook in the Umpqua River.
Origin To Oregon:
Coho Salmon is a native species of the state of Oregon.
Species Information:
Latin Name: Oncorhynchus kisutch; Common Name: Silver salmon. The coho salmon's life cycle generally takes three years. They normally spend their first 1 ½ years in fresh water and the next 1 ½ years in salt water prior to returning to spawn in their natal streams. "Jacks” are males who return to spawn after only one season in the ocean. Typical fresh water rearing habitat for juveniles consists of cool, low gradient tributary streams. Coho typically concentrate in near shore ocean waters. There, they will feed and mature while waiting to begin their inland journey in the autumn months. Spawning migrations usually begin after heavy rains raise stream flows. Coho in salt water are bright silver with small black spots on the back and on the upper lobe of the caudal fin. They have a white gum line (in contrast to the black gums of chinook). Spawning adults become very dark. The head and back are dark green, the sides are a dull red to maroon, and the belly is gray to black. Females are paler than males. Spawning males are characterized by a bright red lateral stripe, hooked jaw with prominent teeth, and slightly humped back. Both sexes retain their small black spots. Adult coho usually weigh 8 to 12 pounds and are 24 to 30 inches long, but individuals weighing 31 pounds have been landed. As do other salmon, coho die after spawning.
State Record: 1966 - Ed Marti caught a 25 lb. 5 oz. Coho in Siltcoos Lake.
BROWN TROUT
Origin To Oregon:
Brown Trout has been introduced into the state of Oregon.
Species Information:
Latin Name: Salmo trutta; Common Names: German brown, Loch-leven trout. A native of Europe, the brown has been successfully introduced into almost every section of the United States. In Oregon, it has become well established in suitable environments. The Deschutes River, East Lake, Paulina Lake, Suttle Lake, and Wickiup Reservoir are noted for producing large browns, many reaching 8 pounds or more. The coloration tends to be golden-brownish with dark brown or black spots on the body, and on the dorsal and adipose fins. Usually few or no spots appear on the tail fin. Many body spots, especially those below the lateral line, are edged with pink, red, or orange, forming rings or halos. Breeding males develop strong teeth and a hooked snout. Spawning occurs from October through December. Although brown trout can adapt themselves to sluggish streams and warmer temperatures better than other trout, cold, spring-fed tributary streams with stable water conditions are required for proper spawning success. The brown is known as the wariest of trout and the most difficult to catch. A native of Europe, the brown has been successfully introduced into almost every section of the United States. In Oregon, it has become well established in suitable environments. The Deschutes River, East Lake, Suttle Lake, and Wickiup Reservoir are noted for producing large browns, many reaching eight pounds or more. The coloration tends to be golden-brownish with dark brown or black spots on the body, and on the dorsal and adipose fins. Usually few or no spots appear on the tail fin. Many body spots, especially those below the lateral line, are edged with pink, red, or orange, forming rings or halos. Breeding males develop strong teeth and a hooked snout. Spawning occurs from October to January. Although brown trout can adapt themselves to sluggish streams and warmer temperatures better than other trout, cold, spring-fed tributary streams with stable water conditions are required for proper spawning success. The brown is known as the wariest of trout and the most difficult to catch.
State Record: 2002 - Ronald Lane caught a 28 lb. 5 oz. Brown Trout in Paulina Lake
Origin To Oregon:
Brook Trout has been introduced into the state of Oregon.
Species Information:
Latin Name: Salvelinus fontinalis; Common Names: Eastern brook, speckled trout, speckled char, square tail. Originally from the eastern seaboard, the brook trout has been successfully introduced in many Oregon waters, especially in cold mountain streams and lakes where other species are unable to do well. One of the most colorful of the chars, the brook trout is dark green above, with worm-like markings on the back and dorsal fin. Cream and red spots appear on the sides, the red spots bordered with blue. The lower fins are reddish, the leading edges bordered with a white and black stripe. Generally, they weigh up to 3 pounds, but larger fish are frequently taken. Spawning occurs in the fall, usually in spring-fed tributaries or on gravel bars in the lakes. The female may deposit from 500 to 2,500 eggs. If not properly harvested, brook trout may overpopulate a lake and become stunted from lack of food and crowded conditions. Many barren lakes in Oregon have been stocked with brook trout, providing angling recreation where none was previously available. Brook trout thrive in spring-fed lakes and streams where the water remains below 65 degrees.
State Record: 2004 - Burt Westbrook caught a 9 lb. 6 oz. Brook Trout in the Deschutes River.
Origin To Oregon:
Bull Trout is a native species of the state of Oregon.
Species Information:
Latin Name: Salvelinus confluentus. Oregon’s native bull trout generally range between 8 to 20 inches but have been known to reach 20 pounds in some lake environments. They need cold clean water to survive and are typically found in the headwaters of Oregon rivers such as the McKenzie, Deschutes, Hood, John Day, Umatilla, Grande Ronde, and Klamath. However, bull trout are now uncommon in most of these rivers and are listed as ‘threatened’ under the Endangered Species Act. In many Oregon rivers and streams, it is ILLEGAL to fish for bull trout, so please check your regulations. Bull trout can be identified by the greenish to brownish back and sides, few or no spots on their fins, and cream or yellowish spots on their sides. Some spots along the side may be deep orange to red. The leading edges of their ventral fins are white. Bull trout are considered a char and are closely related to Dolly Varden , brook trout, and lake trout, all of which display light colored spots on a dark background. In Oregon, bull trout have a variety of life history strategies that include highly migratory and non-migratory populations. Spawning occurs in the fall when water temperatures drop below 50F. Usually, juvenile bull trout feed on insects until they are large enough to eat small fish. Adults feed primarily on fish and have a reputation as voracious predators.
State Record: 1989 - Don Yow caught a 23 lb. 2 oz. Bull Trout in Lake Billy Chinook.
Origin To Oregon:
Rainbow Trout is a native species of the state of Oregon.
Species Information:
Latin Name: Onchorynchus mykiss; Common Names: Redsides, coastal rainbow. Rainbow are the best known and the most widely distributed trout in Oregon. Several million of these fish are produced annually in hatcheries. Rainbow live their entire life in fresh water. The other two primary divisions within this varied species are “steelhead,” also known as the sea-run rainbow, and “redband,” a race of rainbow trout that live in closed interior basins. In general, the rainbow is bluish-green on the back, silvery on the sides and belly. The back and sides are peppered with fine black spots, which also dot the dorsal, adipose, and caudal fins. In some locations, the black spots of adults may extend well below the lateral line and even cover the entire lower side. A red or pink band usually extends along the lateral midline. The belly is usually white. Rainbow have short heads; the lip bone on the upper jaw seldom extends beyond the hind margin of the eye. They lack “teeth” on the back of the tongue. The color of all trout varies with environment. Stream and river trout tend to be more intensely colored than lake trout. Spawning trout are characterized by generally darker coloration. Rainbow do not mature until at least their 3rd year, most not until their 6th or 7th year. Most rainbow spawn annually during the early spring months, but some spawn only once every three years. Rainbow can live to the age of 10 or more. The number of eggs produced varies with the size of the fish. A 10 to 12-inch rainbow produces from 800 to 1,000 eggs, while a fish over 24 inches may produce from 5,000 to 9,000 eggs. Rainbow who live in or migrate to lake environments tend to become larger faster than stream-living rainbows. Because they inhabit diverse environments, rainbows range widely in size – adults measure anywhere from 12-30 inches and 2-20 pounds. A rainbow 45 inches long, weighing 42 pounds was recorded in Alaska.
State Record: 1982 - Mike McGonagle caught a 28 lb. Rainbow in the Rogue River
Origin To Oregon:
Redband (Native Rainbow) Trout is a native species of the state of Oregon.
Species Information:
Latin Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri and Oncorhynchus mykiss newberri. “Redband” is the name given to the native interior rainbow trout of western North America. Redband trout in Oregon live in inland areas of the Columbia Basin and closed water systems in arid parts of the state. Characteristics vary considerably among populations of redband, but generally they can be differentiated from the coastal rainbow trout by their larger more rounded spots, parr marks that tend to remain into adulthood. On redband, the lateral line is more orange-red than the pinkish-red of coastal rainbow, and the background body color is more greenish-yellow than dark green and silver. Redband trout also have very distinct white tips on the anal, dorsal and pectoral fins. Although scientists dispute whether isolated populations are related or not, these fish have clearly adapted to harsh, arid environments with seasonally low water flows. Redband are typically a stream-resident fish that make short spawning migrations either in the same stream or often into smaller tributaries. They prefer cool, clean, relatively low gradient streams but, in some circumstances, are able to withstand wider temperature variations than their cousins, the westslope cutthroat trout. In response to population declines, resident forms of redband trout are considered a species of special concern by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, American Fisheries Society, and all states throughout their historic range (Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, California and Montana). They are classified as a state sensitive species and sensitive species by the U.S. Forest Service and the BLM.
State Record:
Origin To Oregon:
Steelhead are native species of the state of Oregon.
Species Information:
Latin Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss; Common Names: Redsides, sea-run rainbow. Steelhead are sea-run (anadromous) rainbow trout. Young steelhead are indistinguishable from rainbow. However, ocean-going fish develop a bright silvery sheen over the blue-green back, which is covered with fine black spots. Spots cover both lobes of the tail but are absent below the lateral midline of the body. Steelhead have silvery white bellies. The silvery sheen gradually fades in fresh water, and steelhead become difficult to differentiate from resident rainbow trout as the spawning period approaches. The steelhead’s life history is complex and diverse. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife recognizes 295 local populations of O. mykiss, all with slightly different life strategies! In general, steelhead parallel Pacific salmon for much of their life-cycle. They hatch in fresh water, often far upstream in small tributaries. Young steelhead spend 1-4 years in fresh water before migrating to the ocean. Some may then travel thousands of miles; others remain near their natal rivers. Unlike salmon, steelhead are loners and do not form cohesive schools. After 1-3 years feeding in the ocean, most steelhead return to their natal stream to spawn. However, up to 20% explore different streams and spawn in them. These “wanderers” populate new streams, which helps the steelhead race maintain its genetic and behavioral diversity. Summer steelhead are those adults who return from the ocean between May and October in an immature state and require several months of maturation in fresh water before they spawn. Winter steelhead are those fish who return to fresh water between November and April and are already mature. Both runs spawn during the winter months, but with the great overlap in return times, some Oregon rivers have steelhead coming in nearly all year. Females dig redds for their eggs, as salmon do; each female lays 2,000 – 10,000 eggs. Unlike salmon, not all steelhead die following their spawning cycle. Although survival percentage is low, some steelhead live to spawn twice or more. Summer steelhead average 24 inches and weigh an average of 6-10 pounds; winter steelhead are often a bit larger.
State Record: 1970 - Berdell Todd caught a 35 lb. 8 oz. Steelhead in the Columbia River.
CUTTHROAT TROUT
Origin To Oregon:
Cutthroat Trout is a native species of the state of Oregon.
Species Information:
Latin Name: Oncorhynchus clarki; Common Names: Native, mountain, speckled, black-spotted, blueback, harvest trout. Second only to the rainbow in angling importance is the cutthroat trout. As with rainbow trout, several races (with numerous and diverse life histories) occur in Oregon. For the angler, differences are primarily in degree of color. A sea-run form, commonly called blueback or harvest trout, inhabits coastal streams, spending much of its life in the ocean or brackish bays and lagoons. Sea-run cutthroat do not confine themselves strictly to salt water, but may run in and out of streams in search of food. At maturity, generally around 3 years, they ascend the rivers to spawn. The mountain or native race, more highly colored than its seagoing relations, confines its life to inland streams and lakes. The black-spotted cutthroat is found well distributed throughout the Wallowa Mountains. The name “cutthroat” is derived from the two red streaks on the underside of the lower jaw. On some fish, especially fresh sea-run fish, these marks may be indistinct or absent. In addition to the slash marks, the presence of “teeth” on the back of the tongue distinguish the cutthroat from the rainbow. The cutthroat’s lip bone on the upper jaw extends well beyond the hind margin of the eye; the rainbow’s is shorter. Coloration is generally dark green above, with olive sides and silvery belly. Sea-run fish tend to be bluish. Numerous black spots appear on the head, back and sides, and on the dorsal, adipose and caudal fins. Cutthroat will run up to three pounds; larger fish are occasionally taken. Spawning usually takes place in the early spring months. After spawning is complete, the spent fish drop back into lakes, larger streams or ocean bays. Cutthroat can live to be 9 years old and, unlike salmon, can spawn for a number of years before dying.
State Record: 1986 - Phillip Grove caught a 9 lb. 8 oz. Cutthroat in the Malheur River.
CUTTHROAT/RAINBOW HYBRID TROUT
Origin To Oregon:
Hybrid cutthroat-rainbow is a native species of the state of Oregon.
Species Information:
Latin Names: Oncorhynchus mykiss x Oncorhynchus clarki. “Cut-bows” can resemble either parent's morphology, but the telltale red slash marks of the cutthroat along the lower jaw line tend to be present, even in rainbow-looking fish. Natural hybridization between rainbow trout and cutthroat trout has been documented in several southern Oregon basins. Hybridization may be more prevalent in degraded habitats, in populations with low numbers of spawners (of either species), or in areas where natural distributions overlap.
State Record:
BROOK/BROWN HYBRID TROUT
Origin To Oregon:
Brook/Brown trout hybrid has been introduced into the state of Oregon.
Species Information:
Latin Names: Salvelinus fontinalis x Salmo trutta; Common Names: Tiger or zebra trout. The introduced brook trout has been hybridized in hatcheries with the introduced brown trout by combining brown trout eggs with brook trout sperm. This cross produces the usually sterile tiger or zebra trout, which has proven a very good game fish. Although biologically possible, this hybrid is extremely rare in the wild. The body shape of tiger trout is most like a male brook trout, but their scales are larger, like those on a brown trout. The tiger's spotting pattern is considerably different from either parent and is quite striking. The normal vermiculations of a male brook trout seem to be enlarged and contorted into stripes, swirls, spots, and rings. The hybrid displays a greenish cast overall. There are advantages and disadvantages to the creation and use of hybrids. Most grow faster (hybrid vigor) than either parent, but some do not fare as well with regard to survival from egg through fry stage. Some are more fitting to certain types of habitat than one of the parents, and some are more catchable (in terms of angling) than one of the parents. The inability of tiger trout to reproduce is viewed as an advantage in systems where a native species could be compromised by crossing with a non-native fish, as is the case with Oregon’s native bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and the introduced (but naturalized) brook trout. Very often, the introduced species out-competes the native, and in cross-breeding with it, weakens native genetic traits.
State Record:
Origin To Oregon:
Lake Trout has been introduced into the state of Oregon.
Species Information:
Latin Name: Salvelinus namaycush; Common Names: Mackinaw, lake char, togue. Originally from Canada and the Great Lakes region, lake trout have been introduced into suitable Oregon waters. Largest of the chars, lake trout reach weights of 20 pounds over much of their range. A commercially taken lake trout was recorded at 80 pounds. This trout is gray to dark grayish-green in color with light spots over much of its body, which is slender with a long head. The tail is deeply forked. Lake trout need deep cold water with plenty of oxygen and proper spawning areas. They must also have an abundance of forage fish to flourish. Spawning occurs in the fall with the males appearing first on rocky shoals or ledges to prepare the nests. The female then moves up from deep water and deposits her eggs in the crevices among the rocks. No attempt is made to cover the eggs. Food of the young consists of small crustaceans, while the adults feed almost exclusively on other fishes.
State Record:
1984 - H.V. Hannon caught a 40 lb. 8 oz. Lake Trout in Odell Lake.
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